Gaydon Parish Magazine November 2026
index of magazines
Gaydon Gazette for November
Book Club Tues 3rd at 7pm Malt Shovel
Parish Council Tues 3rd at 7.30pm Village Hall
Mobile Library Friday 6th at 2.25pm Phone Box
Act of Remembrance Sun 8th 10.45am St Giles' Church
Coffee Morning Sat 14th at 11am Village Hall
GVH Committee Mon 16th at 6pm Village Hall
Tai Chi Mons & Weds at 7pm Village Hall
Gaydon Parish Council News
Many thanks to all who helped tidy the churchyard last month.
Severn Trent Flood Officer
The Flood Officer will be at the Parish Council November meeting. Any questions or issues are to be sent to the clerk: clerk@gaydonparishcouncil.gov.uk ahead of the meeting so that they can be looked into in advance and, it is hoped, answers provided.
Next meeting of Gaydon Parish Council will be held in the village hall on Tuesday 3rd November at 7.30pm.
Remembrance Sunday 8 November
Gather for the Act of Remembrance at 10.45am at the War Memorial. The Service continues inside St Giles' Church after 11am.
November Church Services
All Saints' Day
1st 9.30am Morning Service Gaydon
10.30am Holy Communion Northend
All Souls' Day
2nd 6.00pm Service for All Souls Northend
Remembrance Sunday
8th 10.45am Act of Remembrance followed by
11.00am Service of Remembrance Gaydon
15th 10.30am Morning Worship Northend
3.00pm Communion & Baptism Gaydon
Christ the King
22nd 9.30am Agape Service Gaydon
10.30am Morning Worship Northend
Advent Sunday
29th 10.30am Benefice Holy Communion Gaydon
Roman Catholic Mass
St Peter & St Paul 5.00pm Saturday Brailes
Our Lady & the Apostles 9.15am Sunday Shipston-on-Stour
St Francis of Assisi 11.00am Sunday Kineton
All Souls Service
At Northend on Monday 2nd November at 6pm. If you would like a name to be read out at that service, please add it to the list in church.
November Memorial Book
2010 4th Wilfrid Hotchkiss
2014 9th Joyce Hammond
1999 10th Sybil Lightowler
2006 16th Leonard Walker
2005 21st Joyce Walker
2006 22nd Edna Young (formerly Rickman)
If there is a special entry that you would like to see, let me know and I will try to make sure that the Book is open on that day. Julie Rickman
Obituary
Sylvia Mary Hall: 15.10.28-18.10.26
It is with great sadness that we record the death of Sylvia Hall. Our deepest sympathy is extended to John, her husband. The funeral will take place in the North Chapel at Oakley Wood Crematorium at 11am on Wednesday18 November.
Something to Think about
Finding a Way through
Over the summer, getting around our villages has sometimes involved a little more planning than usual. Just when you thought you knew which way to go, another ‘Road Closed’ sign appeared.
At one point, there were signs whichever way you approached the vicarage. Anyone visiting might reasonably have concluded that we were completely cut off! But those of us who lived here knew that it was often still possible to get through. Sometimes residents were allowed past the works; sometimes you could weave your way around multiple fenced-off holes in the road; sometimes there was another route. It could take longer, but there was always a way home.
I’ve been thinking about those signs as we approach Remembrance Sunday.
When we look at the suffering in Gaza, Iran, Ukraine and so many other places, the road to peace can seem firmly closed. Each effort meets another obstacle. There’s so much fear, anger and mistrust, and so much injustice and hurt. We can find ourselves wondering whether anything will ever change, or whether it's worth trying to work for peace.
But remembering the cost of war gives us a reason to keep trying.
This November, we will gather at our war memorials to honour those who served and those who gave their lives. We will remember those who returned carrying physical and emotional wounds, and those who waited anxiously at home or grieved someone who never returned.
We will remember, too, the civilians whose homes, families and futures have been devastated by war. The cost continues long after the fighting stops.
Even in places where peace seems impossibly distant, people are looking for a way through.
For example, the Parents Circle-Families Forum brings together Israelis and Palestinians who have lost family members in the conflict. They share their stories and work for reconciliation. Their grief is real, and their differences have not simply disappeared. Yet they continue to meet, listen and seek a future in which other families will not have to suffer as theirs have.
That takes courage. It also challenges the feeling that nothing can be done.
Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’ Making peace can be difficult work. It involves facing what is wrong, seeking justice, and helping people live without fear. Sometimes it means listening when we would rather argue; sometimes it means acknowledging the hurt we’ve caused.
Most of us will never sit around a table negotiating an end to a war. But we do have opportunities to make peace in our homes, workplaces, schools and communities. We can refuse to pass on a cruel remark, help someone feel included, or take a first step towards resolving a disagreement. We can pray for peace and support those working for it.
My prayer this November is that, as we remember the terrible cost of war, we would renew our commitment to peace. Even when we cannot see a way through, may we keep looking, praying and doing what we can.
We may not see the whole route ahead, but peace is worth working for. Rev Barry Jackson
Coffee Morning
Saturday 14th at 11am in the Village Hall, Gaydon. Coffee and Biscuits; Books and Jigsaws; Raffle; proceeds to Church.
Gaydon Book Club
Tuesday 3rd November at 7pm at the Malt Shovel.
Tai Chi
We meet in Gaydon Village Hall at 7pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. Please text 07514 011406 so that we can look out for you. After a month, please donate a coin for the hire of the hall.
Mobile Library
This month the Mobile Library will call at the Telephone Box at 2.25pm for half an hour on Friday 6th.
What's On in November at the British Motor Museum?
Monday 2nd Mellow Mondays
Tuesday 10th Gaydon Gathering
Sunday 15th Women in Games and Gears
Monday 16th Mini Motorists Mondays
Information and tickets at www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk
Carers4Carers
Carers4Carers are your local support group for family carers. We usually meet on the fourth Friday of the month (except December when it's the second Friday) from 10.30am to 12 noon at Kineton Village Hall. Loved ones are welcome too; they can join our Companionship Group during the meeting.
Friday 27th November Get creative with some early festive crafting! No experience needed - all ideas and materials provided! Or just come along for a coffee and a chat!
For further details please contact Gillian on 07947 893504, send an email to kcarers4carers@gmail.com, or explore our website www.carers4carersonthefosse.org.uk
Give your Unwanted Furniture a Second Life
Replacing furniture, moving home or clearing a room can leave you with a bulky item that is still far too good to throw away. Local homelessness charity Emmaus Coventry & Warwickshire visits homes in Gaydon and the surrounding area every week to collect suitable furniture free of charge. Donated furniture is sold through the charity’s second-hand furniture shops in Coventry and the money raised supports people who have experienced homelessness. Emmaus provides accommodation, tailored support, training and work experience, helping people rebuild their confidence and develop skills.
The charity collects sofas, wardrobes, dining sets, beds, chests of drawers and dressers, as well as working white goods. Items must be clean, complete and suitable for resale. Have good-quality furniture you no longer need?
Visit emmaus.org.uk/coventry-warwickshire/furniture-collection to arrange a free collection and keep good-quality furniture in use.
Gaydon Village Hall News
Next meeting Monday 16 November at 6pm in Committee Room.
Over-65s Christmas Lunch 2026
The Christmas Lunch this year will be on Sunday 6th December at 12.45 for 1pm in the Village Hall. Invitations will be sent out shortly. Millennium Group Event.
Events at Kineton Manor Nursing Home
Planning for Later Life
On 19 November at 5:30pm there is a free event for the community:
'Planning for Later Life: Wills, Care Fees & What You Need to Know'. We will have a will-writer and a financial adviser present who will each give a short talk on their respective subjects, before opening to questions and one-to-one conversations. Cheese and wine will be provided! Please contact Emily to book.
Understanding Sight Loss:
Monday 23rd November from 5.30pm: An Evening with Warwickshire Vision Support. Join us at Kineton Manor for an informative and friendly wine & cheese evening with a local charity helping people across the county.
Martyn from Warwickshire Vision Support will talk about sight loss, how it can affect everyday life, and the practical and emotional support available to people experiencing changes to their vision. From rehabilitation and mobility training to home visits, telephone befriending, and support following a new diagnosis, the evening will offer an opportunity to learn more about the charity's work and the difference it makes to local people.
There will be time to ask questions, find out more about the support available, and enjoy an informal evening together. We will also be fundraising for Warwickshire Vision Support throughout the event, including a Christmas Hamper Raffle, with all fundraising efforts helping to support the charity's valuable work in our community.
Everyone is welcome, and booking is not required, although RSVPs would be greatly appreciated to help us plan refreshments - wine and cheese will be provided.
For either of the above events, to RSVP, find out more, or buy raffle tickets, please contact Emily at Kineton Manor on 01926 641739 or marketing@kineton-manor.co.uk. We'd love to welcome you!
Kineton Manor Nursing Home, Manor Lane, Kineton CV35 0JT
Nature Notes for October
I'm still preparing to move house, surrounded by packing cases and awaiting a last legality regarding a small flowerbed boundary, so it appears that I have time to reflect on a few memories from the village.
When we first came to live here, there was no M40 or new-builds; many villagers had spent their entire lives here and farming, the Army Camp and the then British Leyland were the main employers. Gaydon has had its share of interesting natural history events: there have been Wild boar and Otters in the village, as well as Goshawks and even Waxwings and a Golden Oriel. A huge, burrowing bee colony survived until recently.
I feel I have to mention a few past villagers who contributed to my natural history sightings over the years, among them "Badger" Phillips and his dog, Butch. He had a long memory and was always around to talk about birds - he even remembered Corncrakes in the 1930s.
Another interesting character, Mick Olds, had been a biker in the past and was also a keen birder and member of the RSPB. He walked the fields every day and on one occasion he was excited to have seen a Hobby Falcon chasing some swifts. He gave me his sightings of many species over the years.
The only professional golfer in the village, Derek Ratty was a good friend and keen birder. John Checkley, Lou Watts and Francis Liddington had great memories of past rural life. Wally Garret often discussed the local birds whilst you were in his shop. I recall that each year you would see large coveys of grey Partridges and Golden Plovers around the sewage works. A while back, it was still a good place in winter for waders because the ditches never freeze.
So far fine autumn weather continues with many trees already shedding leaves prematurely. Tawny Owls are calling from my Walnut tree which has been stripped of nuts by thieving Grey squirrels this season. A few tailless pheasants newly released are appearing on roadsides but one very noticeable feature is the lack of roadkill. However, an very early drive will explain why: I have seen Red kites lifting them from the road and even settling on unfortunate heavier victims - I noted three last week near Warmington Hill. Like crows and magpies, they are learning to avoid traffic.
Best regards to all! Bernard Price (I'm hoping to still occasionally contribute after I move.)
Wellesbourne Repair Café
Wellesbourne Repair Café is open on the first Saturday of the month at the Church Centre, Church Street, Wellesbourne CV35 9LT, from 10.00am-12pm and this November we celebrate our 5th Birthday.
If you have nothing to repair, you can just come and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and cake. You may be able to lend a hand with someone else’s repair job.
We are always looking for new volunteers to join us, so if you have a skill to share and can spare a couple of hours each month, please get in touch with Nicky at n_morle@yahoo.co.uk or
Fizz at Fizzzz@thfms.me or via our Facebook page.
A Repair Café is a little different to 'The Repair Shop' everyone has heard about. Tears are not required, and we don’t need to know how delighted your great, great grandmother will be that you can use her favourite tea cosy once more.
What is a Repair Café?
The Repair Café International Foundation was initiated in 2011 by Martine Postma in Amsterdam, where she had been striving for sustainability at a local level in many ways. Now there are over 2,500 Repair Cafés worldwide. They are very mindful of not competing with professional repair specialists and taking business away from them.
November Update
Halloween changes… should we be scared? and ‘Gather ye sardine tins while ye may!’ (forget ‘rosebuds’…!) Hallowe'en may be an overblown - excessively Americanised - event but it can still provide scary happenings in the world of local developments … ‘Something wicked this way comes’ in the form of a huge change in planning regulations from the 31st October 2026. From that date, the Government’s ‘National Scheme of Delegation for Planning Functions’ under the ‘Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026.’ comes into being.
In a nutshell, ‘routine and technical applications will be decided by planning officers rather than councillors on a planning committee.’
‘Schedule 1’ planning decisions, will cover such things as property extensions and developments up to a total of 9 houses. However, it’s not absolutely clear whether multiples of a 9 house grouping in close proximity to each other by the same developer will be dealt with as a ‘Schedule 2’ development. Schedule 1 decisions will be made by planning officials not planning committees comprising officials and councillors.
‘Schedule 2’ will cover major building developments (e.g. CEG J.12) and will be approved or not by the full planning committee. But, as we only too painfully know, even a rejection by the planning committee can be overruled by the Government Inspector who will use the guidelines of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to decide in the ‘national interest’ that a development, however wretched, can go ahead.
According to the SDC Planning Department, there was a huge response to the South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP) from Warwickshire people. As a result it will take to the end of December to forward the plan with responses to the NPPF Inspectors. So, it may be next Spring/Summer before there are any hearings where we can voice our arguments.
Sardines, beans and alphabet spaghetti… anyone? It can’t have escaped anyone’s attention that the government’s ‘Be Ready’ campaign is urging people to stockpile food for (unspecified) emergencies. Why I mention this in relation to development issues is because there seems to be a disconnect between the way the government wants to remove vast acreages of food-productive green fields at the same time as urging UK citizens to cushion themselves by building up food supplies.
It may seem ludicrous to contrast these seemingly unrelated food issues, but the NFU and farmers in general remind us that the UK is only 60% self-sufficient in food. The remaining imported 40% is now subjected to price increases owing to extreme world weather (drought, heatwaves, being outside the EU etc.) and massive increased fuel and fertiliser costs as a result of the of the US/Israel versus Iran war.
We have to ask: ‘Is this really the time to remove food-producing land from the UK stock?’ At the very least, every greenfield site proposed for development should be subjected to rigorous scrutiny and should not be used until every possible local brownfield alternative or vacant site in a locality has been considered. As someone said: ‘When the facts change - I change my opinions.’ If we are approaching a food crisis, according to some branches of the government, then the NPPF people should be listening to these
changed facts.
Finally, if you’re travelling south on the M.40 anytime soon, spare a thought for those cold and lonely half a million square feet of vacant warehouse space adjoining the Banbury junction. To paraphrase Paul Simon: ‘still empty after all these years…’ Oh, and don’t neglect to blow a kiss to the 43 acres of the vacant JDE Foods site 5 minutes from the Banbury junction.
It’s nice to know that all of these empty constructions and vacant sites are proving useful… Or at least adding to the stockpile of acquisitions which enables corporates and hedge-funds to use these places as collateral for generous loans from the banks, empty or not… TH